Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Eggcellent

Here is another one of my favorite finds. Eggland's Best Eggs. They have 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs and are a great source of heart-healthy omega 3-fatty acids. Eggs are the most perfect form of protein you can eat. And recent studies have shown that eggs can actually help raise good HDL cholesterol.

Eggs can be a part of your healthy diet. Try to aim for no more than one per day. When looking for a great snack try them hardboiled. They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Get Steamed!!!!

Did you know that steaming certain vegetables could increase their cholesterol lowering capabilities?

Beets, green beans, carrots, cauliflower and asparagus have been shown to help lower cholesterol even better when steamed.

Most important is eating vegetables in a way that you enjoy. Try them steamed, raw, roasted or grilled. Remember, the main goal is to aim for 5-a-day. Then try some different techniques to help increase their disease fighting capabilities.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Monday, February 9, 2009

Powerhouse Beverages

So we know that antioxidants are good for our heart and health, but sometimes it's hard to figure out which fruits and vegetables have the highest amounts. Did you know that the most antioxidant-packed beverages that have been shown to provide heart health benefits include purple grape juice and pomegranate juice? Look for 100% concord grape juice like Welch's and 100% pomegranate juice such as POM. Some other healthy beverages include red wine, Acai juice, and tea.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Monday, February 2, 2009

Go For The 6!!!

Are you getting enough Omega-6 fatty acids in your diet? The American Heart Association urges Americans to make sure they get enough of this important fats in order to help prevent heart disease.

Omega-6 fatty acids usually don't get as much attention as Omega-3 fatty acids but are equally important. They can be found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Both Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. They are both beneficial at replacing saturated and trans fatty acids in the diet. Try to get 5-10% of your daily calories from these healthy fats.

Hope Danielson
Health and Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Go For The 6!!!

Are you getting enough Omega-6 fatty acids in your diet? The American Heart Association urges Americans to make sure they get enough of this important fats in order to help prevent heart disease.

Omega-6 fatty acids usually don't get as much attention as Omega-3 fatty acids but are equally important. They can be found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Both Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. They are both beneficial at replacing saturated and trans fatty acids in the diet. Try to get 5-10% of your daily calories from these healthy fats.

Hope Danielson
Health and Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sweet Stuff

Do you want to use an artificial sweetener but are worried about its safety?

There is a new sweetener on the shelves called Truvia. Truvia is made with rebiana, the most tasty part of the stevia leaf, and Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, naturally found in some fruits that is 60-70% as sweet as table sugar yet it is almost non-caloric, does not affect blood sugar, does not cause tooth decay, and is absorbed by the body, which means that it is unlikely to cause gastric side effects. The best part is that the FDA has approved rebiana as a safe and natural sweetener. Use it to flavor your foods and drinks and also look for it to be added to other products such as soft drinks in the near future.

Hope Danielson
Health & Wellness Advisor
Niemann Foods

Monday, December 22, 2008

Since it is the season of giving, how about giving to yourself! We are all so busy buying gifts for all our loved ones but how about the gift of good health for ourselves? Here are some great gifts you can give yourself this holiday season:

1. The gift of healthy food. Not just to look better in your favorite jeans but to feel better. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats will provide your body with what it needs to stay active and healthy.
2. The gift of a strong body. Exercise is not only important for keeping in shape but also for a strong heart, strong bones and a strong immune system.
3. The gift of peace. It's important to limit stress in your life. Take a few minutes each day just to breath.
4. The gift of friendship. Make sure to surround yourself with the people you love.
5. The gift of laughter. Find something that makes you smile everyday.
6. The gift of thanks. Be thankful for everything you have.
7. The gift of acceptance. It's important to accept yourself for who you are and make healthy changes that are right for you.

I hope all of you have a wonderful, safe and healthy holiday!!!!

Hope